SAXDOR YACHTS UNVEILS SIMRAD® AUTOCAPTAIN™ AUTONOMOUS DOCKING TECHNOLOGY AT THE GENOA BOAT SHOW

Saxdor Yachts, which has long placed marine technological innovation at the core of its DNA, has announced the introduction of the revolutionary Simrad® AutoCaptain™ Autonomous Navigation System, integrating advanced auto-docking technology into its range of boats and presenting the system to the industry and market at the Genoa International Boat Show, in collaboration with Navico Group.

AutoCaptain represents a new generation of technology designed to simplify docking, undocking, and close-quarters maneuvering—some of the most challenging aspects of boat handling. Featuring 360-degree real-time situational awareness, the system helps reduce helm stress by delivering greater confidence, control, and precision when maneuvering in tight spaces, crowded marinas, and changing wind or current conditions, all under the captain’s supervision and control. Designed from the ground up as a fully integrated system, AutoCaptain integrates exclusively with Mercury Marine’s advanced propulsion and features a dedicated Simrad® screen application for a seamless user experience. Built directly into the vessel's design, the system combines advanced technology with intuitive operation. Saxdor is the first boatbuilder outside the United States to integrate this innovative system into its boats, marking another significant step in the company’s ongoing focus on bringing cutting-edge solutions and innovation to the boating experience.

"Simrad® AutoCaptain™ aligns perfectly with how we think about technology on board Saxdor: not simply automating a task, but making the entire experience more intuitive and giving the captain greater confidence," adds Ludvig Liljequist, Chief Technology Officer at Saxdor Yachts. "Its 360-degree real-time awareness allows the system to continuously respond to wind, current, and obstacles, rather than relying on a pre-mapped environment. This means our customers can approach a new marina or unfamiliar berth and still benefit from intelligent assistance that adapts to the situation around them. For us, that combination of advanced technology, freedom, and ease of use is exactly what marine innovation should deliver."

"AutoCaptain marks a major milestone in the evolution of recreational boating," said Yasser Nafei, President of Electronics Solutions at Navico Group. "As boats become increasingly smart and connected, technologies like AutoCaptain help make advanced capabilities more intuitive and accessible to everyday boaters. We are excited to work with innovative builders like Saxdor to bring this revolutionary autonomous navigation technology to more customers worldwide."

Through a dedicated on-water presentation prior to the Genoa Boat Show—one of the key events on the international marine calendar—the media had the opportunity to see the system in action and discover how the Finnish brand is incorporating this new solution into its vessels. AutoCaptain further expands Saxdor's technology ecosystem, an area the company has been developing for several years to enhance the boating experience both on board and beyond.

As part of its broader technology ecosystem, Saxdor is also elevating the ownership experience through Boat IQ, an AI assistant integrated into the boat itself. Boat IQ runs directly on the vessel's multifunction displays and is connected in real time to Saxdor AI, the knowledge platform developed in collaboration with Cadentia. At the helm, owners can have their requests addressed for their specific boat without switching to a separate application.

"Saxdor AI connects the customer, dealer, and boatbuilder throughout the lifetime of the boat—from initial inquiry and quote to production, delivery, ownership, and service," says Tatu Heikkilä, Chief Executive Officer of Cadentia. "Every boat gets its own digital product record, keeping owners, dealers, and the brand connected. Bringing this directly to the helm alongside Saxdor and Navico is a game-changing step for the industry, and we are proud of what this partnership has achieved."

Saxdor AI is already live and forms part of daily operations across Saxdor's sales, production, delivery, and dealer networks. Since its launch in early 2026, the platform has handled over 10,000 customer inquiries, supported hundreds of boat owners, and been adopted by more than 40 dealers across 30 countries. It is helping dealers respond faster and close more transactions while elevating owner satisfaction. At the same time, the platform provides Saxdor with direct insight into how its boats are used and where they can be further improved.

From the MySaxdor App and Saxdor AI to its Digital Showroom and Boat IQ, the brand has progressively integrated digital and connected solutions across the entire customer journey—with AutoCaptain now adding a new dimension of advanced technology directly to the experience.

To learn more about AutoCaptain and review important system and safety information, visit www.simrad-yachting.com/autocaptain/.

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